How to Get Help Paying Rent When You're Behind
Falling behind on rent can feel overwhelming, but you have more options than you might think. Whether you've lost a job, had a medical emergency, or are dealing with an unexpected expense, there are programs and strategies designed to help you get caught up and avoid eviction. This guide covers the full range of resources available — from government programs and nonprofit aid to negotiating with your landlord and understanding your legal rights.
Take Action Early
The most important piece of advice is to act before you miss a payment if at all possible. The earlier you seek help, the more options you'll have. Once an eviction filing hits your record, it becomes harder to find future housing even if the eviction is ultimately dismissed. Landlords are also more willing to work with tenants who communicate proactively about their situation.
If you're already behind, don't panic — but do act quickly. The resources below are available whether you're anticipating a shortfall or already several months in arrears.
Government Rental Assistance Programs
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
The most direct form of government help is through emergency rental assistance programs. These programs, funded at the federal, state, and local levels, can cover past-due rent, current rent, and utility bills. Eligibility typically requires household income below 50-80% of the Area Median Income and some demonstration of housing instability.
To find programs in your area, call 211 (available nationwide), check your state housing agency's website, or search for local rental assistance programs online. Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks, so apply as soon as possible.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
If you're not already on a Section 8 waitlist, now is a good time to apply if a waitlist is open in your area. While Section 8 won't solve an immediate rent crisis (waitlists are typically years long), it's an important long-term safety net. Check with your local Public Housing Authority about current waitlist status.
General Assistance / Welfare
Most states have general assistance programs that provide small monthly cash payments to very low-income individuals and families. While the amounts are usually modest, they can help cover partial rent. Contact your local Department of Social Services or Human Services to learn about available cash assistance programs.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
If you have children under 18, TANF may provide monthly cash assistance and supportive services. TANF is administered by states, so benefits and eligibility vary. Your local social services office can help you apply and determine whether you qualify.
Nonprofit and Community Resources
Call 211
Dialing 211 connects you with a trained specialist who can identify rental assistance programs, food banks, utility help, and other resources in your community. The service is free, confidential, and available in most of the United States. You can also visit 211.org to search for resources online.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) operate in nearly every county in the country. They administer a wide range of programs including emergency rental assistance, utility assistance through LIHEAP, case management and financial counseling, employment services, and referrals to other community resources. Find your local CAA through the Community Action Partnership national directory.
Religious and Charitable Organizations
Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations provide emergency financial assistance to people in their communities, regardless of religious affiliation. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Jewish Family Services, and Lutheran Social Services all have programs that may help with rent, though availability varies by location.
Local churches often have discretionary funds for community members in need. Don't hesitate to reach out even if you're not a member — many consider community assistance part of their mission.
United Way
Local United Way chapters fund a range of social services in their communities, including emergency financial assistance. Contact your local United Way or search their website for programs in your area.
Negotiate with Your Landlord
Many tenants avoid talking to their landlord when they're behind on rent, but direct communication can be your most effective tool. Most landlords would rather work out an arrangement than go through the costly and time-consuming eviction process.
Payment Plans
Propose a specific, realistic payment plan. For example, if you owe $3,000 in back rent, offer to pay an additional $500 per month on top of your regular rent until the balance is cleared. Put the agreement in writing and have both parties sign it.
Partial Payments
If you can pay some but not all of your rent, offer what you can. A landlord receiving partial payment is less likely to initiate eviction proceedings than one receiving nothing. Always get written acknowledgment of partial payments.
Rent Reduction or Deferral
If your financial hardship is temporary — for example, you're between jobs but have a new position starting soon — ask your landlord about temporarily reducing your rent or deferring a portion to be repaid later.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications with your landlord, including emails, text messages, letters, and notes from phone conversations with dates and times. If the situation escalates to an eviction proceeding, this documentation can be valuable evidence of your good faith efforts to resolve the situation.
Understand Your Legal Rights
Eviction Process
Eviction is a legal process that takes time. Your landlord cannot simply change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings. In most states, the eviction process involves the landlord providing written notice (typically a "pay or quit" notice giving you a specified number of days to pay), then filing an eviction lawsuit if you don't pay within the notice period, followed by a court hearing where both sides can present their case, and finally a court order and scheduled move-out date if the landlord prevails.
This process takes weeks to months depending on your state's laws and court backlogs. You have the right to remain in your home until a court orders otherwise.
Defenses Against Eviction
Even if you owe rent, you may have legal defenses that could delay or prevent eviction. These include landlord's failure to maintain the property in habitable condition, improper notice (wrong form, wrong timeline, wrong delivery method), acceptance of partial rent after filing (in some jurisdictions, this can void the eviction proceeding), retaliation (if the eviction follows a complaint about housing conditions), and discrimination (if the eviction is based on a protected characteristic).
Legal Aid
If you're facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization in your area. Many provide free legal representation to low-income tenants in eviction cases. Having an attorney dramatically improves outcomes — studies consistently show that tenants with legal representation are far more likely to remain in their homes.
Find legal aid near you through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) website, your state or local bar association's lawyer referral service, or by calling 211.
Other Financial Resources to Free Up Rent Money
Sometimes the best way to cover rent is to reduce other expenses. Several programs can help free up money in your budget.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
If you're not already receiving SNAP benefits, applying could free up significant money for rent. SNAP provides monthly benefits for food purchases, reducing one of your largest expenses. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
Utility Assistance (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay heating and cooling bills. If utilities are consuming a large portion of your budget, LIHEAP can free up funds for rent. Contact your local Community Action Agency or energy department to apply.
Medicaid and Health Insurance
Uninsured medical expenses are one of the leading causes of financial hardship. If you don't have health insurance, check whether you qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage. Reducing or eliminating medical costs can make rent more manageable.
Phone and Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program provide discounts on internet and phone service for low-income households. While the savings are modest (typically $9.25-$30 per month), every dollar helps when you're behind on rent.
Building a Safety Net for the Future
Once you've stabilized your immediate rent situation, take steps to prevent future crises. Start an emergency fund — even saving $25 per week builds to over $1,000 in a year, enough to cover a partial rent shortfall. Explore whether you qualify for ongoing assistance programs that can reduce your monthly burden. Connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor who can help you create a sustainable budget. Look into renter's insurance, which is typically very affordable and can help cover displacement costs if you're forced to move due to fire, flood, or other emergencies.
Financial hardship can happen to anyone. The programs and strategies outlined in this guide exist because society recognizes that housing stability is fundamental to everything else — employment, education, health, and family wellbeing. If you're struggling, reach out for help.
AssistanceFinder.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program availability varies by location. Always verify current information directly with program administrators.